GRIFFITH 5-A-SIDE BASIC RULES!
Teams
1. Max of 10 players with 5 players on Court during play (1 as a dedicated Keeper).
2. Interchanges of players can take place when there is a stop in play and the referee signals an
interchange.
· Teams can make as many interchanges as they like in a game.
· Time wasting on interchange may result in a free kick to the other team.
3. Keeper can be changed during any stoppage provided the Ref is advised and signals an
interchange
General Play
1. No sliding in any situation (keepers excluded). No charging.
2. No headers.
3. No offsides, but must be behind the ball at centre restarts.
4. All free kicks are direct except for breaches of the height rule, which are indirect.
5. The defending team must be at least 2m from all free kicks and centre restarts.
6. Do not challenge a player who has possession of the ball when they are in the corner
Ball Height
1. The ball cannot go above the solid rebound boards (1.2 metres high). An indirect free kick will
be awarded against the last player to play at the ball before it went high.
2. If the ball was deflected high off the keeper or the goal posts from an attacking kick, the
keeper will restart play with a “roll-out”. Note: a defending team, by definition, cannot attack
their own goal. This rule only applies to attacking shots on goal.
Keeper Issues
1. The keeper is the only player allowed inside the goal circle. He/she is not allowed outside the
goal circle.
2. The keeper cannot touch any ball that is outside the goal circle.
3. The keeper may kick the ball in general play, but cannot place the ball on the ground to take a
kick. If the keeper picks up the ball, which they can at any time, the keeper’s only option is to roll
the ball out with an underarm motion
4. After the ball is rolled out by the keeper it cannot be returned (either deliberately or
accidentally) directly to the keeper, or come to a stop in the goal circle. The ball must touch a
second player first.
Yellow and Red Cards
1. All yellow and red cards are at the discretion of the referee.
2. Excessive appealing for free kicks, aggressive appealing and repeated arguing over referee
decisions will not be tolerated. Team captains may respectfully clarify a ruling with the referee if
it does not disrupt the flow of the game.
3. Repeated foul play or violent behaviour, swearing (whether general or directed at the
referee), abuse of other players/referees can result in yellow or red cards being issued and may
lead to suspension.
4. Any use of the rebound boards and fencing as a means to injure a player can result in a yellow
or red card being issued.
5. Please refer to the full version of the 5-a-Side soccer rules for more offences that will result in
yellow or red cards